1. Abstract

The 21st century is witnessing the establishment of a new global business based on natural gas processing. The Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) industry is entering a new phase of expansion based on the use of the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis. While for many this might look like new technology, most of the fundamentals are not so new.

Decades ago, the pioneers of this industry were able to foresee with ingenuity and provide with science the foundation that is used by today's engineers and scientists. They also predicted the unique benefits that could be expected from the use of synthetic fuels. Moreover, based on the unique composition of the primary products, they anticipated their importance as chemicals and other non-fuel products.

The development of the FT-based GTL technology is intimately related to the initial efforts to apply it using coal as feedstock. Its evolution followed a logical process that was delayed by years of abundant, low cost petroleum and a lack of stringent fuel specifications aimed at protecting the environment.

This work highlights some of these concepts, giving recognition to the FT technology pioneers.

2. Introduction

Historically the Fischer-Tropsch process is indeed the second technology used to produce synthetic hydrocarbons. Friedrich Bergius in Rheinau-Mannheim, Germany developed the high pressure coal hydrogenation process from 1910 to 1925. The objective at the time was to ensure that Germany was capable of continuous production of hydrocarbons based on their...